Modern Maiden sat down with the spice heiress and newlywed to discuss her whirlwind romance with Willas Tyrell, becoming a "bonus mom," and bringing a worldly flair to The Reach's art scene with her new gallery.
On How She Met Willas
The art enthusiasts met at an auction in King's Landing after Kojja outbid him on a painting. "It was a spirited contest toward the end," she recalls with a chuckle. "I was in an aggressive mood. But being a good sport, he insisted on congratulating me face-to-face." What drew her to him? "His openness and curiosity. People who move in art circles love to impress you with their knowledge. Willas was far more interested in my passion for art than proving how learned he was."
On Relocating to Westeros
It wasn't a true relocation — she's had an apartment in King's Landing since she was 19, but Kojja admits to being taken with The Reach's unique charms. "More than any other region of Westeros, they've retained a sense of tradition and ritual that's quite lovely."
On Being a "Bonus Mom"
"I was raised with the idea that children have agency, so I'm intentional about letting them [Gwayne (8) and Ellyn (6)] define my place in their lives. After all, they have a mother. Their father fell in love with me — they didn't, so I want to give them the time and space they need to determine where I fit."
On Bringing Her Artistic Sensibilities to The Reach "Oldtown has some of the best museums on the continent. I'd like to complement that with a contemporary space in Garden City that features more modern, diverse, and up-and-coming artists — much like my gallery in King's Landing."
On Marrying Into Westerosi Political RoyaltyComing from a well-known family [The Mo Spice Company is one of the largest spice brands in the world], Kojja is no stranger to societal expectations. "I've always understood what it means to carry my family's name wherever I go. I'll be as careful with the Tyrell legacy as I am with my own. And you know, we [the Summer Isles] have a rich history of women in leadership, so it's quite lovely to count Westeros's first female Prime Minister [Olenna Tyrell] as a relative."
